Device for the low-temperature storage and the handling of probe tubes in tube racks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing low-temperature storage and handling devices for probe tubes are complex and lack a simple design for efficient operation.
Innovation Solution
A device with a low-temperature compartment, holder apparatus, and picker apparatus that allows for quick access and minimal temperature variation, featuring a gripper system for removing and inserting tube racks and probe tubes, with independent holder apparatuses for permanent storage and shuttle functions, and a controlled environment to reduce thermal stress and ice formation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If automated door and robotics are used to access probes through the door, then probe access is automated, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the door and automated door mechanism from the low-temperature compartment, eliminating the need for complex automated opening/closing systems while maintaining automated probe access through top-loading rack insertion and removal
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of accessing probes through a door at the front, the system inverts the access approach by allowing rack insertion and removal from the top, with probes accessed vertically from above rather than horizontally through a door
2Productivity
If frequent access to probe tubes is allowed, then operational efficiency improves, but temperature variations in the compartment increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the storage into multiple racks that can be independently inserted and removed. Only the specific rack being accessed needs to be removed from the compartment, minimizing the volume exposed to temperature fluctuations compared to removing a door or accessing individual tubes through a sealed compartment
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple racks are pre-loaded outside the low-temperature compartment. When tubes are needed, pre-loaded racks can be quickly swapped in without requiring the compartment to be opened or re-cooled, reducing temperature variations
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables efficient and minimally stressful handling of probe tubes at low temperatures with reduced thermal stress and ice formation, maintaining temperature stability and improving operational simplicity.
Implementation Method 1
A low-temperature compartment (1) having insulated side and bottom walls (2, 3)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
A device for the handling and the low-temperature storage of probe tubes in tube racks comprises a low-temperature compartment (1) having insulated side and bottom walls (2, 3 ) and at least one opening (6) at a top side. The compartment (1) is used for storing at least one tube rack at a low temperature. The device has a holder apparatus (8) comprising a rack holder (9) for holding a tube rack and a picker apparatus (25) comprising a gripper (26) adapted to remove and insert individual tubes from or into a tube rack held by said holder. The holder apparatus (8) is adapted to displace the rack holder (9) between an upper rack position outside low- temperature compartment (1) above the opening (6) and a lower rack position inside the compartment (1). Similarly, the picker apparatus (25 ) is adapted to displace the gripper (26) between an upper gripper position outside the compartment (1) above the opening (6) and a lower gripper position inside the compartment (1) below the opening (6). This design allows to remove and insert individual tube racks from above through the opening (6) of the iGw-temperature compartment (1).